“He’s becoming an adult,” she said. “That’s worth a real party.”
Greg agreed without argument.
Maybe, I hoped, things were changing.
Maybe seeing everything Liam had accomplished had softened him.
I spent days preparing.
I baked Liam’s favorite chocolate cake.
Nora decorated the backyard with blue and silver balloons.
My brother Owen volunteered to grill burgers.
Our neighbors came by.
Several of Liam’s teachers stopped in.
Coach Mara arrived carrying a wrapped gift.
The yard buzzed with laughter.
For a few precious hours, we looked like the family I had always wanted us to be.
Greg even smiled while talking with relatives.
Watching him laugh, I wondered if perhaps we had finally left the bitterness behind.
Dinner ended.
The cake was served.
Everyone gathered around Liam.
He looked happier than I had seen him in months.
Nora handed him a sparkling cider.
“Birthday toast!” she announced.
Everyone raised their glasses.
